Preserve, Interpret, and Share

The Wauwatosa Historical Society plays an important part in identifying, storing, and sharing the historical record, and interpreting Wauwatosa’s past to the public. Our goal while carrying out these responsibilities is to become more relevant to our community and develop a sustainable model for the future.

Judith A. Simonsen Research Library

The Judith A. Simonsen Research Library at the Kneeland-Walker House provides valuable access to historical documents. Library volunteers use resources like city directories, maps, archived newspapers, photographs, and journals to research library patrons’ inquiries.


Nineteenth Century Schoolhouse

Wauwatosa second-grade students are invited to a turn-of-the-century school day experience. The second floor of the Kneeland-Walker Coach House has been transformed into a one-room nineteenth-century school house.


Oral History Project

Planned interviews are conducted to obtain and record information on individuals, families, important events, or day-to-day life. They often contain information not available in other historical forms.


All History is Local Scholarship

This $500 scholarship is available to graduating seniors who plan to attend a University of Wisconsin system school and major in education or history. Its purpose is to support the appreciation of local history and to further the study and interpretation of local historical people and events.

Please see your school’s guidance counselor for an application. The scholarship is nonrenewable.


Images of America: Wauwatosa

Based on the fervent belief that each community has its own story in American History, Arcadia Publishing launched the Images of America Series Initiative focused on giving voice to local authorities who wanted to share and publish their community’s written and pictorial history.  The Wauwatosa Historical Society is the proud author of our community’s contribution to this series, Images of America: Wauwatosa.


The Sarah Clapp Quilt

We’re committed to researching and preserving the Sarah Clapp quilt from 1879. The quilt is silk and velvet with hand embroidery and some painted designs.